December 9, 2007 Announcements:
Join us this evening for a "Blue Christmas" service at 4 pm. for a time of quiet,
healing reflection during the rush of the Christmas Season.Christmas poinsettias are available. There is a signup sheet in the hall. Cost: 6 inch – $16, 7 inch - $27.
The last day to order is December 19. For more information contact Pam Parisian. Please wear your nametags. Leave a note for Alan Forrest if you do not have a nametag.
Inventory Audit for 2007/2008: We are looking for someone to complete the inventory audit of the downstairs kitchen. If you have some time we need counted the cups for punch, dessert forks, teaspoons, soupspoons, dinner forks and dinner knives. The count can be passed to the secretary.
CHRISTMAS COOKIES: All children are invited to come and make, bake, and decorate Christmas cookies Sat., Dec. 22 at 5pm at the church. Cookies will be used to help decorate the church Christmas tree after service on Dec. 23. Pizza will be served. Parents welcomed. Taste testing encouraged. For more info. contact
"Conversation and a Movie": this Wednesday night (December 12th) we will watch "Amazing Grace" (2007), at 7pm. Curious? Here's part of a review from hollywoodjesus.com:
"Wilberforce championed some of the most liberal causes of his day—progressive Christians will appreciate that. He also fits the mold we would refer to now as evangelical. Neither right nor left has an exclusive claim on Wilberforce and his work. Rather, all Christians who seek to change the world through our work for better laws and more complete justice walk in his steps. In this film, we see that those steps are often along very rugged and difficult paths. But the destination can make the journey well worth while."
Upcoming Events:
December 9 Blue Christmas 4 pm.
December 11 Vital Seniors Christmas luncheon 12 – 1:15 pm.
December 12 Conversation & a Movie featuring ‘’Amazing Grace”
December 24 Christmas Eve Services
Family Eucharist at 7 pm.
Candlelight Eucharist at 11 pm.
Church Office - 253-0555. You can leave messages for the office, or press 1 to leave messages for The Reverend Preston Parsons
The Cathedral Church of St. John 135
Anglican Centre Staff – Annual Christmas Open House, 935 Nesbitt Bay, Fri., Dec. 14 from 1 – 4 am. Please bring a non-perishable food item for a donation to a rural food bank.
The Winnipeg Singers presents ‘’In Winnipeg at Christmas’’ Sun., Dec. 16 at Knox United Church 3:30 pm. Tickets: McNally Robinson & at the door. Adults $23, Seniors $20, Students $8.
Holy Trinity Anglican Church presents Carols and Candles Tue. Dec. 18 at 7 pm & Wed. Dec. 19 at 7 pm. Seasonal refreshments. Free & open to all.
When Christmas Hurts, a Service of Healing, Sun., Dec. 23, 7:30 pm.
Marriage Preparation Course: Jan. 10, 17, 24, 31 2008 from 6:30 – 9 pm. at St. Anne’s Anglican Church,
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Jan. 20 – 27, 2008.
Ecumenical opening service, Sun. Jan. 20, 2008 at 7:30 pm. St. Mary’s Cathedral. All welcome.
Mon. Salvation Army -
Wed. Roman Catholic – St. Boniface Cathedral – Catholic Vespers in French
Thurs. Mennonite –
Fri. Christian Reform – TBA
Sat. Orthodox Vespers – TBA
Foundation Seniors – The group is on hiatus till February 2008. For information, contact Bruce Dawson at 489-0023, or e-mail to dawsonbn@mts.net.
Prayers for Peace & Justice: Every Thurs. morning, an ecumenical group meet at 9 am (note change of time) in St. Matthew/Maryland Community Ministry to give prayer support to Peace & Justice ministries, modeled on
The Diocese of Rupert’s Land – Central Buganda Orphan Fund is committed to helping children who have been orphaned as a result of HIV/AIDS, civil war, & malaria. The fund supports education costs for these children. $100 will feed and educate a primary school student for an entire year. $300 will provide for a secondary school student. Christmas Gift cards are available. For more information call Bud Oliver 204-482-4679, or Marilyn Jackson 204-487-7234.
Advent Banner
The candle represents the coming of the light of Christ. A laurel wreath surrounds the candle representing a victor’s crown which welcomes the advent of Christ the King. The blue background is a royal colour and depicts preparation and healing. Blue also recalls Mary and her role in a time of expectation, waiting, and preparation.
Can You help?
White Gifts
Please take a tag that the Sunday School has provided and buy the selected gift. Put the tag on the wrapped gift and place it in the box labeled “white gifts. The gifts will be blessed on Sunday, December 16, 2007.
St. Matthew’s-Maryland Community Ministry
· Toys/gifts for children: unwrapped, preferably new, non-violent gifts for all ages of children, remembering especially older children (toys without batteries are preferable).
· Belts and socks for children and adults: a wool blend or sport sock is best.
· Gifts for Silent auction.
· Toiletries: shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, bath soap etc.
Please place the items in the box labeled “toys” by Sunday December 16, 2007
Christmas Food Hampers
Once again we will be making up hampers to help out the Christmas Cheer Board. Please sign up to bring food items. Donations of cash or cheque are also welcome. Monetary gifts should be placed in an envelope marked as “Christmas Hampers” and included in the offertory. If you know of someone who would require a hamper this year leave his or her name at the office.
